The Media and Encouraging Addiction

Is The Media Encouraging Addiction?

Addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol and other substances is on the rise. While some claim the increase is due to careless doctors, others suggest different forms of media are to blame. Movie and television studios are constantly glamorizing drugs, alcohol and tobacco in their features. Often to the point where some might feel left out if they don’t participate in using themselves.

Take alcohol for example. While some films portray the darkness of alcoholism accurately, others make it seem like drinking is fun. College frat parties show everyone having a blast without any of the repercussions of alcohol. Even on television, beautiful and funny people are having a drink of something and embarking on an adventure.

Movies are also showcasing drugs in a funny and whimsical manner. Take marijuana for example. Groups of friends gather around and smoke a joint and comedy ensues. It suggests this is nothing more than a harmless and social drug. Despite medical research showing that marijuana is often a gateway to harder drugs.

The glamorizing of substances

It doesn’t end with alcohol and marijuana. We still see addiction to prescription drugs in visual media. Take for example House. In the show, the titular character has an addiction to prescription pain medication. While it shows the darker size of the drug, there are few drawbacks to his drug usage. He still remains the hero of the show, there is almost no impact to his mind and outside of a stint in rehab during a season finale, he continues to function as normal.

Sometimes characters do go in for prescription drug addiction treatment in these shows. The portrayal of the rehab center often steers people who need help away. The centers are presented as dark, prison like places where people struggle to just make it through the day. In reality, this supports an addicts reasoning for not getting the help they need. After all, who would want to get help from a location that comes across as sinister and evil.

Places like Holistix Treatment Centers take a different approach. We are committed to providing help to those with an addiction to prescription drugs and other substances with real help. Our staff is friendly and our facilities are warm and welcoming. Our only goal is to help you to discover the tools that help you to combat your addiction and to begin the recovery process.

Matt Sapia

Matt Sapia is a BHT Supervisor at Holistix in Lake Worth where Matt works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Matt has been working in the addiction treatment field for 1 year. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Matt is originally from Staten Island, NY. He enjoys exercise and long walks on the beach.

Laura Bonczek

Tiffany Tait

Tiffany Tait is the Chief Operating Officer at Holistix Treatment Centers in where Tiffany works closely with the facility, helping to ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe. Tiffany has been working in the addiction treatment field for 14 years. She has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. She is especially recognized for her experience in clinical program development, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Tiffany is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and enjoys reading, being a mom and taking long naps on the beach.

Gianni Fugazy

Gianni Fugazy is the Director of Operations at Holistix in Margate where Gianni works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Gianni has been working in the addiction treatment field for 4 years. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Gianni is originally from Harrison, New York, and enjoys watching movies and going the gym in his free time.